Has anyone recently entered the USA for the first time on a IR-1? What actually happens at immigration in the airport? Do I still get given a form for getting my permanent residence card?

[Haynes 7]

So my IR-1 was approved at the London Embassy a few weeks ago, and I am flying into Boston in two weeks. I am a UK Citizen.

 

When I get to the airport, do I head through the US and Canada line? Do I expect to get through as quick as I normally would with an ESTA? According to the handout that came with my passport when it was returned to me, I have to pay for my immigrant fee (which I have done) and then when going through immigration I am apparently given a form to fill out and send off to get my permanent residence card / green card. Some of the other info on the sheet has been incorrect so I just want to make sure this information is still correct.

 

Thanks

[Dashinka 24,651]

As to which line to get into, there are usually liaison officers at CBP that can help you determine which line to get into.  Processing times for people entering with immigration visas vary widely, so it is hard to predict (i.e. if you are connecting at Boston, you want to give yourself plenty of time).  As to the mechanics of what happens, I am not to familiar with as my now wife entered on a K1, and that did not take a lot of time in Detroit.  In the end, when the CBP officer endorses your passport, you are officially an LPR. 

 

Good Luck!

[Lil bear 4,261]

49 minutes ago, Haynes said:

So my IR-1 was approved at the London Embassy a few weeks ago, and I am flying into Boston in two weeks. I am a UK Citizen.

 

When I get to the airport, do I head through the US and Canada line? Do I expect to get through as quick as I normally would with an ESTA? According to the handout that came with my passport when it was returned to me, I have to pay for my immigrant fee (which I have done) and then when going through immigration I am apparently given a form to fill out and send off to get my permanent residence card / green card. Some of the other info on the sheet has been incorrect so I just want to make sure this information is still correct.

 

Thanks

Having paid the fee already, the CBP officer will ask you to confirm your mailing address for the green card. No forms needed for this. It’s a pity the Consulate info is out of date .. it makes it more confusing and stressful than it needs to be. 

[Haynes 7]

1 minute ago, Lil bear said:

Having paid the fee already, the CBP officer will ask you to confirm your mailing address for the green card. No forms needed for this. It’s a pity the Consulate info is out of date .. it makes it more confusing and stressful than it needs to be. 

Thank you for this, it’s as I suspected then. Yeah stupid things like the link to where to pay the immigrant fee was wrong, the cost of the immigrant fee was wrong etc. My American wife did the opposite process for moving to the UK a few years ago and although still stressful, was 10x easier to navigate.